Some words from Sara - A.K.A 'Scary Lou!'

Not a lot scares me, but I’ll admit cancer does! The thought of another family member or myself fighting that battle is just horrifying and unbearable. We have zero control, it just pops up from nowhere to devastate lives. This year cancer has been a common topic amongst family, friends and new acquaintances, too many of us have a heart-breaking story that involves cancer.

There was no hesitation when I heard of this event, every penny counts when it comes to a charity, and supporting cancer research has always been a driving force for me; challenging myself and taking action to do more for such a great cause, that could change so many outcomes and so many lives.

Signing up for this event is a lovely way to honour all of those who have left footprints; people who have helped me to become the person I am today or to honour someone who has made a difference to those that are dear to me. So, given the opportunity to stick two figures up to cancer, to raise money for a great cause and give cancer a bloody good kick in, I just couldn’t resist.

I’d like to dedicate my participation in this event to a wonderful man, Nick who was my mums boss for many years, and in my eyes, he became her greatest friend, (once upon a time a fellow Bettys baker) Nick was never anything other than kind, supportive and brilliant. He enriched her life as well as the lives of many others, sadly Nick lost his battle just a few months ago.

There has been further inspiration to this fight; my best friend’s amazing sister Jo, who received her diagnosis a week or so after signing up to this challenge. She’s such a caring person who has dedicated her life to others; fostering children from care for many years. She only stopped fostering as she had adopted several and her house became fit to burst. Jo’s beginning her fight, as I prepare for mine; the only thing we have in common is that this will be the hardest physical challenge we have both ever faced. I might get battered and bruised but there is no real comparison!

My desire to do well at this challenge comes down to honouring the memory of my late fiancé Darren Platt. Two weeks after fight night it will be 7 years since Darren lost his battle to stomach cancer. I’m aiming to make Darren proud, anybody who knew Darren would agree that just taking part in the event wouldn’t gain his pride, he would expect victory!
Darren shaped my life, he trained me through a lot of my career as a Bettys baker and his expectations were high! He wasn’t shy at being brutal and saying exactly what he thought, one of his most missed characteristics. Bless (rolling my eyes!)

I could never forget the beautiful Christine Ambler a Bettys confectioner, her presence within the confectionery department at 2am always brightened the day, there was so much kindness behind those big blue eyes. It never quite felt the same without Christine, I’m positive it never will for those who worked alongside her.

Some words from Rachael - A.K.A 'The Rascal.'

After having a crappy start to the year, battling with some demons and dealing with some unfortunate events; Sara and I have decided to push ourselves both physically and mentally with this task. 

Not only are we taking part as it is for a great cause, but also in memory of those that have sadly been taken from this world too early by the dreaded C-word. Cancer that is, not the other C-word..you animal! 

Taking part in Ultra White Collar Boxing for Cancer Research UK - where the initial aim was to achieve fundraising £10million by Christmas..

...Amazingly this amount has already been smashed and it isn’t even December yet! Great going! So let’s all unite together and continue to raise funds for a very important cause. A cause that is so close to home for so many of us! 

We can’t alter what’s already happened but we can try and alter what may happen by supporting a great cause and stepping up to the challenge - I’m very proud of UWCB for the fantastic work that goes in to raising money for this life-saving research! 

Are you with us? 

The Boxing match will take place on 16th December at York Barbican. So if you are interested in coming to watch myself and Sara, as well as all the other dedicated Charity Fundraisers, having a good go at Boxing - email me at rach04_06@hotmail.com and I can give you more information on times, prices of tickets, and answer and queries you may have. 

Thank you for taking the time to read about this exciting, challenging, exhilarating and rewarding journey that myself and others in York are undertaking. Thanks for your support!